The announcement comes as British Airways said passengers whose phone batteries are flat will still be able to board their flight without the device after a climbdown by the airline.

BA warned on Monday night that passengers who could not switch on an electronic device when asked to do so would not be allowed to board their flight, with or without the item in question, as part of a new security protocol.

But less than 24 hours later it reversed its position, offering passengers the option of being rebooked on a later service, leaving their device at the airport for collection on their return, or having it forwarded to an address of their choice.

It came after the Government set out new official guidance which only states that electronic devices, and not passengers themselves, would be barred from the cabin.

Earlier on Tuesday it emerged that BA was the only airline threatening to prevent passengers from boarding if they could not prove electronic items were functioning properly by switching them on.

Other airlines which fly from Britain to the United States including Virgin Atlantic and Delta signalled that passengers would be able to board if they were willing to leave the devices behind.

BA said it had implemented the stricter rules immediately after a request from US security officials on Monday, but had worked throughout Tuesday to come up with a solution for customers.

“We have in place a range of options if customers are not able to comply, when requested, with the new US regulations,” a spokesman said.